driving to bryce canyon in winter

The main road through the park is regularly plowed in the winter, making it an excellent way to enjoy the famous Bryce Canyon overlooks and warm up in your vehicle. Bundle up in your warmest winter outfit and spend some time gazing up into the cosmos. Sign up to receive non-spammy family travel inspiration sent right to your inbox. Within the park, you can see the Milky Way spread out across the gorgeous starry sky. The Bryce Canyon Log Cabins include air conditioning, a television, a microwave, and a small fridge. The Bryce Canyon scenic drive is the perfect activity if you want to see the views of hoodoos, arches and windows from various viewpoints and overlooks. The Bryce View Lodge is not as nice and much older than the Best Western Plus. Ready to start hiking? Because of its higher elevation, this canyon experiences much colder temperatures than youd find in Zion and other nearby national parks. Pets are only allowed on paved sections of trail and this is an area with a beautiful paved section. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. Youll also want mid-layers like fleece jackets and sweaters. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter. Current Conditions - Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Download the app to your phone no cell or wifi service needed. The Hunter has a hat of evergreens and is easily seen just in front of the viewpoint. Hiking down into the hoodoos is a must when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Black Birch Canyon Viewpoint 4.3. How to get to Bryce Canyon? Dine at Hells Backbone Grill & Farm (note: this does require a drive, but consider stopping in Escalante during the day and heading there in the evening, check website for reservation details). A post shared by Bryce Canyon National Park (@brycecanyonnps_gov). Many people skip the small turnout for Black Birch Canyon. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Bryce Canyon National Park in the Winter - Follow Tiff's Journey Be sure to pack tons of base layers like thermal shirts and leggings. Plan on wearing waterproof hiking boots. The landscapes are serene with unbelievable color displays that you wont believe. Luxury: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Camping: North Campground Bryce Canyon National Park, Things to Do in Bryce Canyon in the Winter, What to Pack For Visiting Bryce National Park in Winter, Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Driving Tips, Final Thoughts on Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Winter, Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park | 15 Amazing Lodging & Tips, The Perfect 2-3 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary, The 14 Best Hikes In Arches National Park, 21 Fun Things To Do In Acadia National Park, Where To Stay In Big Bend National Park | 9 Best Lodging Options, 15 Best USA National Parks To Visit In The Spring. Every year, the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival provides a fun family weekend with all sorts of activities and events to enjoy. The Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Point closes each year due to snow cornices. This Bryce Canyon Winter guide has all the details on how to have a memorable time in this spectacular national park. This is perfect if you love winter camping and want to stay within the park. Loop B typically closes in late fall unless demand for winter campsites is high enough to justify its remaining open.. This will give you access to the park for seven consecutive days. Shoe traction devices like microspikes or crampons. These were sufficient (with a little slipping) because of the recent snowfall. Its one of the most magical experiences to see the gorgeous red, limestone hoodoos covered in snow. Many people are surprised to learn that Bryce Canyon sits at about 8,000 feet above sea level. But you will find the famous glow on the hoodoos at Paria View in the evening since the hoodoos here face the west. If driving in this way, you may want to look into taking a detour to the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park on the way to Bryce. On the way, you'll encounter plenty of switchbacks that take you up to high altitudes. Plus this snowstorm means we were very thankful we were familiar with driving in snow (thanks to me being a Utah native) and had great studded, winter tires on our car. All of the hoodoos range in height from the height of a human to stories tall. As the weather can be unpredictable, these programs are sometimes canceled. Utah is home to not one, but FIVE national parks. The Ultimate Bryce Canyon Winter Guide - The Wandering Queen This way all the overlooks are on the right so its easy to pull in and out of each parking lot. Pets are only allowed on paved areas in the park. Bryce Canyon Lodge: If you are looking for lodging options within Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon Lodge is perfect for you. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. The crowds are much thinner than the summer months and the landscapes are utterly serene. We did not do these, but they sound like such a great experience! The park rules are in place to keep you safe and protect this incredible natural attraction. Youll have to pay the fee again if you exit and re-enter the park on the same day. Bryce Canyon National Park may not be as vast or have as many activities as Zion National Park, but there is still plenty to do. The Visitor Center's rangers recommended driving to the end of the scenic road first, then stopping at the viewpoints on the way back, so that parking spots are on . Even though the trail name is Navajo Loop Trail, the trail is actually NOT a loop in the wintertime. Read More: Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park | 15 Amazing Lodging & Tips. There are plenty of basic trails that are interconnected. 27 Amazing Things to do in Utah that Arent National Parks, 11 Best Utah State Parks Youve Got to Visit, Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, How to Spend One Perfect Day in Island in the Sky: Canyonlands National Park, Yellowstone with Kids: The Ultimate 2 Day Itinerary, Im a real person who loves to talk travel , The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park and Nearby Towns, The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do, Summer Camping Gear Essentials for First-Timers, 21 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids + Top Tips, 19 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Malta, The Ultimate Guide to the Isle of Skye with Kids: 21+ Things to Do & Top Tips, Hike down among the hoodoos on Navajo Loop Trail (out-and-back trail in the winter), Either coming into town or leaving town, drive through the Red Canyon Arch Tunnel just 20 minutes outside of the park. However, there can be temporary road closures due to heavy snowfall or other significant, inclement weather during the winter. A winter visit means fewer people and gorgeous scenery, with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and plenty of other winter fun, like the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival. If you click one of them, I may receivea small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. During the winter, the area of Bryce Canyon Lodge which is open is the Sunset Lodge. Visit Utah said that Bryce in the winter usually doesnt get warmer than 40 degrees and temperatures may drop below freezing. So you can end your day in the park with a mesmerizing view of the sun setting, and the sky lit up by stars. Stop here for a dramatic photo before heading onwards to the main attraction. These include the road to Fairyland Point and the road leading to Paria View. Although Bryce Canyon National Park is relatively small compared to other national parks, it still spans a whopping 56.2 square miles. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. I love to help women hike, camp and backpack. Bryce Canyon National Park is not only home to the worlds greatest collection of hoodoos in the world. A winter visit means fewer people and gorgeous scenery, with opportunities for, , cross-country skiing, and plenty of other. In summer, youll see the red hoodoos changing hues as the sun crosses the sky. Here, youll learn all kinds of skills through ski clinics, archery clinics, wildlife tracking, snowshoeing, and astronomy lessons. The park is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. There are no advanced reservations required to enter Bryce Canyon National Park. Even though the snow is here, Bryce Canyon still offers a variety of ranger programs. Here are all of the scenic viewpoints you can visit within the park via a car in the winter: These viewpoints are on the section of road that may be closed or temporarily closed due to weather: The drive-time from the entrance to the furthest viewpoint (Yovimpa Point) is only 30 minutes, however, the road past the Bryce Amphitheater may be closed due to snow. Visiting Bryce Canyon in December - Wildland Trekking Cross country skiing is a popular wintertime activity in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Navajo Loop Trail takes you right down into the hoodoos! Bryce has seen minimum temperatures as low as -26F! Click for larger view. Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon in Winter - Tips For Family Trips You can also hop on the stroller/wheelchair-friendly Rim Trail from Sunset Point. You can also participate in a full-moon snowshoe hike and winter astronomy programs! Disclosure:This post contains affiliate links. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival offers the perfect opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy adventuring in the snow. In fact, you can argue that Bryce Canyon is actually better to visit in the winter. Snowshoeing ended up being our favorite thing we did in Bryce and I highly recommend participating if possible. Ours has logged over 500 miles! This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fuelled while exploring and in case you get lost. The first three miles are around the Bryce Amphitheater. However, you do not need to stay at Rubys Inn to participate in the winter festival. So why is it called Swamp Canyon? Use this map as a guide to navigate along the scenic drive so you can stop at all 13 overlooks! How far is Arches from Bryce and Zion? Moab to Monument Valley 3 hour drive 1 night. Rubys Inn holds a winter festival each February that looks like a lot of fun! Snowshoes or skis (or both). There is a parking lot at Sunset Point. The red road is always open and cleared often, however, the blue dashed road may be closed after snowstorms as they work on clearing the road. View Webcam The Rainbow Point is a good introduction to Bryce Canyon National Park with views of the pink cliffs and hoodoos along with a fabulous panoramic view. Natural Bridge is one of Bryce Canyons arch formations that you can see within the park. The warm-hued hoodoos amidst the icy winter wonderland are a must-see, so be sure to bring along your best camera gear for hiking. Never leave pets unattended and always pick up and dispose of all waste. At the Swamp Canyon viewpoint youll notice the pink and red cliffs that surround and contrast against the evergreen Ponderosa Pines. REI provides expert tips for winter camping: Be sure to do research before you do winter camping. Youll also find a coffee machine in your room, so you can refuel and warm up whenever necessary. Skiing, snowboarding or sledding from the canyons rim into the canyon is illegal, very dangerous and can damage the fragile environment. If you happen to be at Bryce Canyon early, it may also be worth enquiring at the visitor center if theyre hosting a guided walk on that day. This site doesnt have any water, sewer, or electrical points to connect to, so youll have to come fully prepared. 10 miles into the route, you arrive at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park (H2), which features 36,000-acres of rocks that change color and shape as the daylight dances across them. Another great thing about visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter is that accommodations are less expensive and often have plenty of availability. These rooms are furnished with cozy oak and hickory furniture custom-designed for the lodge. If the weather is particularly bad, the park may close temporarily for snow removal, but in general, the park is open for visitors. Rubys Inn rents both snowshoes and cross-country skis for reasonable rates. Put on your best down jacket and head to your favorite lookout point to admire the Milky Way. Frequently Asked Questions - Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Look out for birds like Western Bluebirds, Peregrine Falcon, American Robins, and various hummingbirds. Below are a few things to remember when heading out on your winter adventure. Both of these roads can be accessed with snowshoes/hiking or with cross-country skis. Due to the elevation near Bryce Canyon, temperatures are much cooler: early spring high 50, low 20 | late spring: high 77, low 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park visitors center. However, in my opinion, Bryce Canyon is the best national park in Utah to visit in the winter. Tip: Consider using some of the best hiking apps to help you plan your route and explore more hiking options. Replies to my comments Clear winter nights make for beautiful starry skies. Inside this epic guide to exploring Bryce Canyons winter wonderland youll find: Yes! Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Personally, I think Sunrise Point is more impressive at sunset and Sunset Point is better for sunrise. Hiking around the Bryce Amphitheater, which is the first three miles of the park. Required fields are marked *. Pro Tip: If youre planning on visiting multiple national parks within a 12-month period, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Parks Pass. Bring plenty of water (warm beverages in a thermos help keep you toasty). The weather can change quite drastically, and the weather in Bryce differs greatly from the surrounding areas. Pro Tip: Always check with the National Parks Service for up-to-date conditions. Consider one of these spots to wait out any hefty storms or rest after a day of adventuring. Map with 10 Best Stops on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive 4. The town itself is extremely small and very touristy. The view from above is amazing, but getting down in the canyon and looking up is a totally different experience. I called the visitor center early in the morning and asked if the tour would be happening. Visiting Bryce Canyon in winter is a spectacular experience. Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park offers stunning views of the Aquarius Plateau and the Sinking Ship. Its important to remain on trails and behind railings, and watch children here! You may also want to call the visitor center ahead of time to ask what the weather is like. You can get the America the Beautiful pass at the park, but we like to purchase the pass from REI since they donate 10% to the National Parks Foundation. The tour included us and about 10 other people and the ranger. Check the weather to ensure the skies are clear so you arent disappointed. Have a look at this winter backpacking guide for tips on camping in the snow. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Rim Trail is paved from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point (1 mile/ 1.6 km roundtrip). The campground has 100 campsites, and itll cost you about $20 per campsite per night. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. The clear wintery nights provide the perfect conditions for admiring the stars while huddled up with some blankets and hot chocolate. December through February is typically the time of year with the coldest temperatures and most snow, though March and April snowstorms can also be significant. Below are a few winter hiking gear and clothing essentials to pack for your visit to Bryce. Swamp Canyon Viewpoint Things to do in Bryce Canyon in Winter: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary The drive from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon covers 260 miles and is about 4 hours as long as the weather and traffic are good. North Campground is home to the outdoor amphitheater where some ranger programs take place in the winter. Snowboarding is also not allowed. However, the main road is paved and easy to access. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a great, inexpensive, and durable stroller/car seat combo. The snow can reflect tons of sunlight, putting you at risk of sunburn and damage to your eyes. The best ski towns in Utah tout easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth, along with lively culture, fine dining and off-mountain activities. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the routes mentioned above, as well as on Bristlecone Loop Trail and Paria Ski Loop. Always bring along a complete emergency kit. Check out these travel guides to help plan your trip: Thebest time to visit Bryce Canyonis during the off-season, between the months of October and May. Along this section of the main road are 9 scenic overlooks that display a lesser-seen beauty of Bryce Canyon. Although Bryce Canyon Lodge is not open the entire winter, it is open until January meaning you could stay here for your Christmas trip to Bryce Canyon. Devon Dewey, KSL.com There's no doubt that Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Utah. If you do encounter lightning while visiting Bryce Canyon, remember to stop what youre doing and quickly get indoors. Otherwise, its $30 per day to enter the park. Bryce Canyon's hoodoos were formed due to a continuous process of freezing and thawing of water so in winter you can expect just that: warmer temperatures during the day (around 35 F) and much colder at night. Welcome to Utah's Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road. To get to this trail you will drive to and park at the Sunset Point parking lot. Winter in the Bryce Canyon Area: Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling. I am a married mom of two children, ages 14 and 17, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. If youre seeking a luxury stay with all the amenities, the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon is an excellent option. PRO TIP: The section between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point is a pet-friendly section of the Rim Trail. Check the Bryce Canyon National Park website forupdated Visitor Center hours of operation. Visiting Inspiration Point (beware of ice). Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? When this trail functions as a loop in summer, it is 1.3 miles (2.16 km) long. This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. You can see the Bryce Canyon map located at the top of this post for reference. Unfortunately, you cant book ahead of time. PRO TIP: Pets are allowed at these viewpoints as long as they stay on the paved areas. If youre hoping to see the hoodoos capped in snow, the most snowfall takes place from December to February. Loading weather forecast. Rim Trail THINGS TO SEE: Bryce Amphitheater, Byrce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point MILES: 1-6 mi out and back TIME: 1-2 hr DATE I WENT: 11/26/16 DIFFICULTY: easy Black Friday 2016 NYE 2019. If youre starting your Bryce adventure early, youll want to make your first stop at Sunrise Point. Out of all of my visits to this natural phenomenon, winter is by far my favorite. Think of snowshoeing as hiking with special attachments. So, if you know that the park recently experienced snow, it may be good to consider alternative routes. We recommend at least the first 30 miles of the road. During the winter months of December, January and February, the average highs are between 36 and 38 F which is just above 0C dropping to 15-17F (approximately -10C) at night. Bryce Canyon Lodge - This is the lodge that is IN the park. Bryce Canyon in winter - Bryce Canyon National Park Forum Need winter break ideas? As mentioned above, traction devices are your best friend in snowy conditions. Both the Rainbow Point and the Yovimpa Point are adjacent to each other with an elevation over 9,000 feet! While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. Discover Bryce Canyon National Park in winter. Take a virtual tour now 1 night. I currently live in a small town in Denmark but hail from the mountains and deserts of the American Southwest. You can opt to stay at Best Western Plus (aka Rubys) in Bryce Canyon for a standard budget hotel experience. The Rim Trail (as the name implies) follows the rim of the main amphitheater. Make sure you and your car are prepared for winter driving, with chains or snow tires, and a full winter emergency kit. Archaeologists estimate that Bryce Canyon has been frequented since about 10,000 years ago. If youd prefer to go on your own snowshoe adventure, the best routes for flat terrain are Paria View Road, Fairyland Point Road, and the Rim Trail. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Unique experiences start before you even enter Bryce Canyon National Park! Although some activities (like horseback rides) are not available in the winter, theres still a wide variety of ways to experience the park. Consider driving Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point (may be closed during winter storms). And dont forget, youll want sunscreen for that high-altitude sun too! All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue. Bryce Canyon National Park map in case you get lost while hiking. Contact the park for current conditions. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about Bryce Canyon and Ill be sure to answer! If youd like to rough it out and give camping in the snow a go, North Campground in Bryce Canyon is open year-round. Many visitors prefer the relatively flat terrain of Paria View Road, Fairyland Point Road and the Rim Trail open sections. Stash them in a chest pocket so they stay warm. These can be absolute life savers as they help you keep your footing on slippery ice and snow. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. From north to south, you will be able to see the Aquarius Plateau, Mollys Nipple, Kaiparowits Plateau, and Kaibab Plateau. There are 30 sites in this loop, and it is rare for the campground to fill in winter other than around major holidays. The trail can be very slippery from snow/ice and there are steep drop-offs. I'm the face behind Destination Daydreamer- a travel-addicted momma to young kids. Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from The trail is about 3 miles one way and has several steep elevation changes along the way. The drive would have been quite difficult if we had not had such great winter tires.
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